5 nabbed in Marikina drug bust charged

MANILA, Philippines - Five persons were charged with drug pushing and possession of illegal drugs yesterday following their arrest in Marikina City Friday during a sting operation in which 500 grams of shabu, with a street value of P6 million.

Salim Lala Pimba, 38; his sister-in-law, Miralona Iyana Pimba, 30; Albert Alipato alias Buboy, 42; Elaine Medina alias Ella and Aldrin Rebusto, alias Ipit, 27, were charged before the city prosecutor’s office, said Marikina police chief Senior Superintendent Vincent Calanoga.

The Pimbas chose to undergo preliminary investigation while their three companions opted to have the prosecutor’s office file their case for inquest, he said.

According to Calanoga, the Pimbas refused to undergo tactical interrogation as they immediately availed of the services of a lawyer to defend them.

“We have not established as yet their source of shabu as they hired a lawyer to represent them. They refused to answer questions thrown at them,” he said.

The Pimbas were arrested Friday after handing over P20,000 worth of shabu to an undercover police officer during a drug deal at their house on Singkamas street in Barangay Tumana.

The 500 grams of shabu were found when police officers searched their house.